HAY has officially revived the iconic X-Line Chair, originally designed by Niels Jorgen Haugesen in the late 1970s. Celebrated for its industrial aesthetics and convenient stackability, this chair has long been a favorite for its unique blend of form and function. Now, in 2025, the chair returns with an exciting update—new color options that offer a modern twist while honoring the piece’s original minimalist design. For those who have admired this chair for its combination of stylish practicality, HAY’s reissue will be an eagerly awaited event in the design world.
The Enduring Appeal of the X-Line Chair
Launched in 1977, the X-Line Chair marked a departure from the more organic, wood-centric designs that were the hallmark of mid-century Danish furniture. Niels Jorgen Haugesen’s design was a bold step into the realm of industrial design, combining chrome wire and perforated steel to create a chair that was not only visually striking but also functional. Unlike the curvier, wooden pieces that dominated Danish design during the period, the X-Line Chair was sharp, minimalist, and undeniably modern.
The chair’s unique stackable feature allowed for the X shape to become more pronounced when stacked, giving it a distinct visual appeal. This detail, while aesthetic, also emphasized the functionalist purpose of the design. According to Rolf Hay, co-founder of the brand, the X-Line Chair stands out as “one of the most intelligent designs to come out of our country.” This minimal, yet intelligent approach to design perfectly embodies the essence of Danish functionalism, making the chair a classic that has withstood the test of time.
A New Chapter for the X-Line Chair
For those who are eager to own a piece of Danish design history, the 2025 reissue of the X-Line Chair brings exciting new options. Co-curated with the Haugesen estate, the updated version will be available in a range of fresh colors, including various shades of green, rusty red, and blue. These colors breathe new life into the chair, offering a contemporary palette that enhances its industrial appeal.
The X-Line Chair was awarded the prestigious Danish ID Prize in 1987, cementing its place in the pantheon of great design. After a period of absence from the market, the chair was reissued by Magnus Olesen in 2022, and now HAY is reviving the chair with an even broader range of color options, ensuring that its classic design remains relevant to modern design lovers and collectors.
Impact on the Design Market and Future Outlook
The revival of the X-Line Chair is expected to create a renewed sense of excitement in the design community, drawing attention to both its aesthetic and practical features. The combination of modern colors with the original industrial design ensures that this piece will remain a versatile addition to a variety of interiors. As with many reissues of iconic designs, this chair’s return to the market is likely to result in increased demand for both the new and remaining vintage versions, especially given the popularity of collectible furniture in recent years.
Currently available for pre-order, the X-Line Chair is set to launch in Spring 2025. Design enthusiasts, collectors, and those simply looking to add a piece of functional art to their homes will be keen to secure one of these updated chairs. As HAY continues to pay tribute to iconic designs while innovating for the future, the X-Line Chair reissue signals a promising continuation of the brand’s commitment to merging past and present in meaningful ways.
